Danforth prepares for the return of the Summerfest tradition

The Danforth community is preparing for the return of a full slate of East Grand Summerfest events after COVID-19 caused many activities to be canceled last summer.

DANFORTH, Maine – The Danforth community is preparing for the return of a full slate of East Grand Summerfest events after COVID-19 caused many activities to be canceled last summer.

This year’s three-day program runs from Friday August 6 to Sunday August 9 and features many of the city’s most popular attractions.

“People are so eager to get out of the house, to have something to do, and most importantly, to visit their neighbours,” said Danforth City Manager Ardis Brown. “Participation from our vendors is up and we have a full calendar of events.”

The events will begin Friday at 4 p.m. when Central Street is closed to vehicles. A cornhole tournament for 10-17 year olds will be held alongside a volleyball tournament behind the American Legion.

Also starting at 4 p.m., a look back at Danforth’s past through home movies inside City Hall. Among the music videos featured are the 1991 Little Miss Danforth Pageant and the 1987 and 1988 Mr. North Country.

The American Legion will be holding its meal of corn chowder and haddock with homemade pies starting at 5 p.m. and at 5:45 p.m. there will be a raffle at the municipal library. From 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. a children’s disco dance takes place and a concert by the group “Three Steps” takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

On Saturday, a fishing tournament will take place from 8 a.m. The Downtown Craft Fair opens at 9 a.m., followed by the Summerfest Parade at 10 a.m. At noon, the Danforth Fire Department will be hosting their popular Chicken BBQ. Many games and other activities will take place throughout the day.

The group Ted and The Boys performs at 7 p.m. and is followed by fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

On Sunday, the Grand Lakers ATV Poker Run will take place at 10 a.m. and a color run/walk will begin at 11 a.m. A downtown barbecue to benefit the Danforth Living Community Center will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the festival will end with a “Singspiration” and barbecue at Danforth Apostolic Church at 5 p.m.

“Everyone is very happy to be back to a full schedule of events,” Brown added. “We held a small-scale event last year focused on socially distanced family activities, but it felt so strange not to have the downtown area packed with people.”